Agra Middle East 2011 opened in Dubai on Tuesday showcasing the latest advances in agriculture and irrigation, animal husbandry and poultry farming, fisheries and aquaculture, floriculture and horticulture and agricultural machinery.

The largest agribusiness trade event in the Middle East, AgraME will run till March 31 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water, opened the expo.

Supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Flower Centre, Agra ME remains the premier networking platform for international manufacturers and suppliers of agribusiness products in the region.

This year's edition has been organised to encompass five closely linked sectors – agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; floriculture and machinery; and supplies, said the organisers, IIR Middle East.

In light of the aggressive food security strategy of Arab countries, the event is expected to serve as an ideal platform for local, regional and international manufacturers, suppliers and exporters to venture into the region's flourishing agribusiness industry.

Running alongside the agri expo is Veterinary Middle East (VETme) 2011, the region’s premier veterinary trade exhibition and conference that is showcasing the latest veterinary products, services and technologies.

VETme exhibitors will feature natural feed supplements for horses; remedies for cattle, poultry and pets; bird isolation cages with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (Hepa) filters; and various hitech equipment for veterinary medicine, production facilities, and biological, pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories.

A major conference being held as part of VETme 2011 will cover diverse topics ranging from equine infectious diseases and camel sports to small animals and wildlife.

'VETme 2011 covers all aspects of animal welfare chain, from products, services and technologies up to in-depth discussions on the cultural and policy aspects of local and regional animal healthcare,' said Goutam Malhotra, exhibition manager, IIR Middle East.

'Moreover, the conference programme tailor-made specifically for veterinary professionals in the Middle East will provide valuable insights on future directions for the region’s veterinary practice,' he added.

“AgraME on the other hand will be a vital platform that will facilitate exchange of knowledge and ideas among scientists, researchers and government leaders to address concerns in food security in the region, Malhotra stated.-TradeArabia News Service